Paul Davies: In favour.
Paul Davies: In favour.
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, as we approach the end of this month, the UK Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme will finish, a scheme that has been universally welcomed by the hospitality industry and has helped support businesses and keep businesses afloat across Wales over the past few weeks. Of course, as we enter the autumn and winter months, it's crucial that there is still support...
Paul Davies: Of course, whilst cases in Wales remain relatively low, as you refer in your statement, First Minister, we must ensure, where possible, that routine NHS services and treatments that can go ahead should go ahead. There are people across Wales desperately waiting for surgeries and treatments that, if left, could have a significant impact on how they live their lives, and it's absolutely...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, yesterday it came to light that Public Health Wales admitted a data breach that saw details of just over 18,000 people, who'd tested positive for COVID-19, posted on its website for almost a whole day. That figure included almost 2,000 people living in communal settings such as nursing homes and those living in supported housing, which went as far as to reveal...
Paul Davies: Well, I'm sure, First Minister, the people affected would appreciate an apology from you as First Minister, given that these circumstances have taken place. But, of course, this isn't the first personal data breach, following the incident where 13,000 shielding letters were sent to the wrong addresses earlier this year, not once, but of course twice. Let's also not forget that Betsi Cadwaladr...
Paul Davies: The point I was making, First Minister, is that it is important that you as a Government consult with the care home sector, because it's absolutely critical that the sector is being fully consulted on your testing policy, and I hope that you will reflect on your comments. Now, one aspect of testing policy that could make a real difference in identifying possible threats is airport testing....
Paul Davies: Clearly, there are concerns around this idea, but it is important I think that we consider strategies that protect those species that are under threat in Wales, like the Atlantic puffin, which, of course, I'm proud to be the species champion for. Minister, could you therefore tell us a bit more about how the Welsh Government will address any gaps in the marine protected area network for sea...
Paul Davies: 5. What is the Welsh Government doing to support Welsh farming for the next twelve months? OQ55480
Paul Davies: Minister, like other industries, as you've just said, Welsh farming has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and so it's crucial that the Welsh Government ensures the sustainability of the farming industry in its post-COVID recovery strategies. You have confirmed that you'll be laying the draft water resources regulations this year, which will simply add more burden and financial costs...
Paul Davies: 11. What discussions has the Minister had with the local authority in Pembrokeshire regarding the future delivery of public services? OQ55518
Paul Davies: Thank you for that response, Minister. Of course, it's absolutely crucial that people across Wales are able to access their local authority when they need to, and that's in a time of national crisis. In order to ensure the efficient delivery of public services, people need to be able to speak and communicate with their local authority. Now, sadly, figures from May 2017 to February 2020 showed...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I move the motion tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives. Now, the motion before us calls for three simple things: for the Welsh Government to reconsider the position on face coverings, to ensure that localised lockdowns are proportionate to the threat of the virus in those specific communities, and to require all...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, there's now been a series of important policy statements issued by Welsh Government Ministers to the media instead of this Chamber. Of course, it's vital that Members are given the opportunity to respond to Welsh Government announcements on behalf of the people of Wales. Last week, you chose to make an announcement to the media that affected hundreds of...
Paul Davies: Well, Llywydd, I'm not going to take any lectures off the First Minister. I put it to you, First Minister, that you can turn up to your Government offices in Cathays Park, but you can't turn up to the heart of Welsh democracy, which is also your place of work. And when it comes to making statements outside this Chamber, I'm afraid you've got a track record as a Government. More than 2 million...
Paul Davies: First Minister, as more and more people across Wales are now living under stricter restrictions, it's absolutely essential that the Welsh Government's testing programme is as effective as possible, and that capacity is being used. Last weekend, you told us that, currently in Wales, we’re operating around 2,000 to 3,000 tests a day from Welsh capacity, which is even significantly under the...
Paul Davies: Minister, a report by Estyn earlier this year showed that standards in literacy, numeracy and Welsh second language require improvement in around half of primary schools and all secondary schools inspected since 2017 in Pembrokeshire. Given that Pembrokeshire local government education services are causing concern and require follow-up activity, can you tell us what discussions the Welsh...
Paul Davies: 3. Will the Minister make a statement on the resumption of services in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area? OQ55587
Paul Davies: Minister, I'm pleased, of course, to hear that the resumption of services is actually increasing, but I have been contacted by a constituent who is desperately waiting for her son to receive dental treatment and has been told by the local health board that the approximate waiting time is 81 weeks, despite being added to a priority theatre list. Now, I'm sure you'll agree with me that an...
Paul Davies: I'm pleased to contribute to this debate. At the very heart of any Government must be a commitment to continually review its own structures and processes to ensure that they're fit for purpose and delivering value for money for the taxpayer. Every Government must be able to look at itself critically and think about how it can deliver services efficiently and effectively. To see the...
